Apple's Siri AI avoids emotional companionship role as 27% of Americans befriend chatbots

Over 27% of Americans use AI chatbots like ChatGPT for emotional support and companionship, according to an Elon University and Washington Post study. This reliance raises concerns about discouraging genuine human connections. Apple executives Greg Joswiak and Craig Federighi stated Siri AI is designed differently, avoiding sycophantic engagement. They said Siri will refuse romantic or personal queries, positioning it as a functional tool rather than an artificial confidant to protect user privacy. The study found nearly one-third of users consider their primary chatbot a friend, using it for relationship advice and loneliness. Apple's approach aims to steer users toward real human relationships for emotional needs.